Written and Directed by Corey Asraf & John Swab
Cast: Marilyn Manson, Mark Boone Junior, Sam Quartin, Niko Nicotera, Michael Potts, Slaine, William Lee Scott, Gore Abrams, Michael Shamus Wiles, Daniel Martin Berkey, Danny Boy O’Connor, Robert Peters
Soundtrack: Gingger Shankar
After the debacle that was The Transfiguration, I was hoping for a more worthwhile indie film experience from Let Me Make You a Martyr, which, technically, it delivered, although…well, we’ll get there.
A follow-up/outgrowth of Asraf and Swab’s short film Judas’ Chariot, Let Me Make You a Martyr (their debut feature) has had the Neo-noir label placed on it by critics and fans (although Asraf himself wouldn’t necessarily place the film in that box, even as amorphous as it is), which is not unfair, although it’s certainly no Blood Simple in terms of overall quality.
The movie features a number of Sons of Anarchy alumni, namely Mark Boone Junior, Niko Nicotera, and Marilyn Manson (who wasn’t first choice, although you’d never know it from his arresting performance; he’s definitely a highlight), and they largely put in good work, but some of the supporting cast doesn’t feel up to snuff (although a lot of that could just be a dialogue problem).
To be frank, the movie had financial limitations (to the point that it’s largely blood-less, although somebody at the screening said it doesn’t need it and I’m inclined to agree), which is fine, but, in the end, I found the overall concept (which I can’t really get into without major spoilers) rather film school-ish, which you never want to be feeling at the end of a feature length movie.
There are elements to appreciate, to be sure, especially in terms of mood building, and I give the film credit for not being a total downer despite reveling in some pretty dark material, but there are some stretches where Martyr just drags, and there are multiple scenes that simply feel like a lot of sound and fury signifying nothing.
A little less fat and a little more cohesion could have led to a nice, tight, ninety-minute piece of Oklahoma-fried Noir goodness, but Let Me Make You a Martyr doesn’t quite make the grade.
I hope these filmmakers get another shot, because I’d be curious to see what they do with a different idea, but I have a tough time recommending this one outright.
Rating: ★★½ (out of five)